An increasing number of Nigerian celebrities have traded their careers in Nollywood for military service in the United States Army, marking a surprising career transition that has drawn public attention.
Within the last two years, at least four Nigerian celebrities have publicly announced their enlistment in the U.S. Army or U.S. Navy after relocating abroad.
The celebrities Joseph Momodu, Princess Chineke, Mayowa Dosu and Grace-Charis Bassey, have cited reasons ranging from honouring family legacies to embracing new opportunities in their adopted country.
Joseph Momodu
Actor Joseph Momodu is the latest Nigerian entertainer to join the U.S. Army.
He completed his Basic Combat Training in April 2026, becoming the first known male Nollywood actor to publicly announce his enlistment.
Before joining the military, Momodu featured in films such as Coming to Nigeria and Play 2 Kill, as well as television series including Tinsel, Soul Sisters and The Johnsons.
According to him, his decision was influenced by the memory of his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force, describing his enlistment as a tribute to his father’s legacy.
Princess Chineke
Actress Princess Chineke enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2024 after relocating to the United States.
Known for her roles in To Love a Sister, Stormy Hearts and Masters at War, Chineke announced the development on social media, saying she was proud to serve the country she now calls home.
ALSO READ: Step-by-step guide on how Nigerians can join the U.S. Army
Mayowa Dosu
Actress and producer Mayowa Dosu also joined the U.S. Army in 2024 after moving to the United States.
The actress, known for movies including Fears, Mamami and Compromise, described the decision as a new chapter in her life but has kept the details surrounding her enlistment largely private.
Grace-Charis Bassey
Former Nollywood actress Grace-Charis Bassey, formerly known as Belinda Effah, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 2025.
She became an American citizen after completing boot camp, making her the only one among the four to publicly confirm obtaining U.S. citizenship through military service.
The Africa Movie Academy Award winner dedicated her enlistment to her late father, a former naval commander, saying it was a deeply personal decision.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source tribuneonlineng.com ’
